District Weekly News
March 17, 2022
NJSLA GRADE 3 PARENT RESOURCE
Our Elementary English Language Arts and Mathematics Supervisors, along with the Director of Assessment and Instructional Support, have created this NJSLA Elementary Parent Video for students taking the NJSLA for the first time. During the thirty minutes you will receive an overview of test procedures, format, content, and what to expect from results. If you would prefer to just look through the slides from the presentation, you can do so on our assessment website.
NJSLA UPDATE
Earlier this year, we distributed the Annual Assessment Notification about standardized testing in our district. It included testing windows, but it was too early to share specific dates. At this time we wanted to make sure all families had the most current NJSLA Family Calendar 2022. As we get closer to the April dates, your child’s school will share additional information with you.
Important update to the calendar: Due to Take Your Child to Work Day on April 28, the third grade and sixth grade testing schedule has been adjusted as follows:
Grade 3 ELA April 29 and May 2 (no testing April 28)
Grade 6 Math April 29, May 2, May 4 (no testing April 28)
CJ PRIDE VIRTUAL JOB FAIR
PROJECT GRADUATION DINE TO DONATE
EDUCATION FOUNDATION PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT
REVISION TO NJ REPERTORY THEATRE AUDITIONS
VIKING CHEERLEEDING CLINIC - GRADES K-8 ONLY
Please click here for information on a cheerleading clinic being offered on Saturday, April 23rd at SBHS for grades K-8 only.
SBHS ROBOTICS CONFECTIONATELY YOURS FUNDRAISER
EDUCATOR AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PERSON OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS DUE BY TODAY, THURSDAY, MARCH 17TH BY 4:00 P.M.
Please click here for information on our Educator and Educational Support Person of the Year Recognition Program. Our educators and educational support people are our silver linings and
we hope you will consider celebrating one (or more!) of our faculty with a nomination letter. Educators include content/grade-level teachers, special education teachers, and all educational specialists. Educational Support People include secretaries, custodians, bus drivers and paraprofessionals.
Submissions can be made online at https://tinyurl.com/SBSDnominate or via email to Rachel.Kolibas@sbschools.org. You can also mail submissions to our Administrative Office at 231 Black Horse Lane, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852 to the attention of Rachel Kolibas.
Please note that submissions must be received by 4:00 p.m. today, Thursday, March 17th.
SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHERS EDUCATE THEIR COLLEAGUES ON UKRAINE
This past Wednesday, two social studies teachers presented the “Russia and Ukraine” in a professional development session for their colleagues. Samantha Saldhana-Kuncharam and Scott Wissocki used their combined 29 years of experience teaching global issues to help fellow faculty members understand the current situation in Eastern Europe. The session came as part of the Professional Learning Series which aims to enrich the P.D. offerings across the district.
Both Wissocki and Saldanha-Kuncharam recognized the need for the session, “We felt there were a lot of people that wanted to know what was going on”, said Wissocki, “we were getting many questions from students and staff, and we thought we could help teachers to be better prepared when students ask questions.”
“I want to help teachers better understand the situation so that when students come to them with questions they are better able to respond with the proper context”, noted Saldanha-Kuncharam. “I want them to be more comfortable giving information so they are not adding to the fear and uncertainty.”
Over 40 teachers from multiple departments registered to learn the historical context of the war, and to understand the global significance. The session lasted roughly 60 minutes and contained a question and answer session at the end.
“The role of a social studies teacher is to help people make sense of the various sources of information they are getting, and to analyze the reliability of the media sources”, said Saldanha-Kuncharam.
The two teachers also noted the uptick in student interest on the topic, “They are much more engaged and inquisitive,” noted Wissocki, “the difference is that this is dominating the news, it’s relatable and they’ve heard of these places. They want answers to where all of this is actually going. It’s ultimately important to help them look beyond the sensationalism.”
In addition, Social Studies teacher Ramon Quinones recently offered faculty members the opportunity to understand the impact of 9/11, the complexities of terrorism, and the ensuing conflicts around the world as part of the same series. The department hopes to offer more P.D. sessions pertaining to historical and timely global events for the school.
CONGRATULATIONS ON AN OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION OF 13 THE MUSICAL TO OUR CROSSROADS STUDENTS & STAFF
GOVERNOR MURPHY'S INAUGURAL YOUTH ENGAGEMENT WEEK FOR STUDENTS
The Governor’s office is announcing Governor Murphy’s Inaugural Youth Engagement Week: “Engaging Today Brings Change Tomorrow” from March 21st – March 25th, 2022. During this week, there will be a series of virtual forums with information from a variety of state agencies.
Topics include:
- Climate & Sustainability
- College Access & Affordability
- Healthcare
- Civic Engagement and Working in Government
- Veteran Support & Services
- Social Justice, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
- Jobs & Business
- Structures & Systems of Government
Anyone can sign up to participate in the first Youth Forum hosted by the Office of the Governor at www.nj.gov/youthforum.